instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

1

: as a substitute or equivalent

was going to write but called instead

2

: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather

longed instead for a quiet country life

Synonyms

• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.

Recent Examples on the Web

Indigenous Peoples’ Day refuses the inevitability of a settler future and insists instead on ReMatriation, survivance, and justice. —JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025

Because her father was afraid of flying, the family of five would pack themselves into the car instead. —Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025

According to a report from Bangladeshi publication The Daily Star, exporters that previously sent goods via the Bangladesh-India land borders to access India’s airports and seaports have instead been using alternative hubs in recent months across ocean and air. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2025

Then people get exasperated, start talking about judicial supremacy, and try to chop the Court off at its knees by seeking traditional amendment instead. —Big Think, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing instead

• instead of

Rhymes for instead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

: as a substitute

was going to write but called instead